PA 04/13
The University of Nottingham is teaming up with sixth form institutions across the city to secure the future of, and enthusiasm for Geography within the region.
‘Geography in Your Own Back Yard’, being held at University Park on Thursday 17 January, will see pupils and teachers from 12 local sixth form providers meet lecturers to find out more about the subject at degree level.
It is hoped that by showcasing the opportunities on offer and giving tips on producing a successful application, local teenagers will be inspired to advance their education in the subject.
To be held annually, the event will also allow teachers to work with the University to bridge the gap between geographical studies at A-level and degree level. A lecturer will also be allocated to each school or college to provide a point of contact for teachers and pupils.
As a result of the initiative, it is hoped that more young people, from a diversity of backgrounds will apply to the University in order to access the world-class centre of geographical research that is on their doorstep.
Aspiring geographers
Geography lecturer Professor Nick Mount explained: “In any academic discipline, a diversity of background, experience, views and opinion of those engaged in it is a critical element in driving the development of innovative ideas and approaches. This is just as true for teaching and learning as it is for research; and diversity in the student body is a critical component in shaping an innovative, relevant and inspiring teaching and learning experience for both students and staff in the School.
“The Partnership programme offers the School of Geography a new, more direct means of communicating with the diverse range of young and aspiring geographers that are ‘in our back yard’. To engage more closely with them, through the partnership programme, can only serve to secure the future of Geography in the region’s schools, and our University.
“The tradition in Britain has been for students to move away from home to study at university, but the changed funding arrangements means that many students are reconsidering their options and looking at universities closer to home. The School is international in focus, and there are opportunities for study overseas at leading universities throughout the world, so attending your local university does not mean a narrowing of horizons.”
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Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham has 42,000 students at award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia; according to the Sunday Times University Guide 2012, ‘Of all the British universities, Nottingham has embraced internationalism the most.’ It is also one of the most popular universities in the UK by application numbers, and ‘the world’s greenest university’. It is ranked in the UK's Top 10 and the World’s Top 75 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong (SJTU) and the QS World University Rankings.
More than 90 per cent of research at The University of Nottingham is of international quality, according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise. The University aims to be recognised around the world for its signature contributions, especially in global food security, energy & sustainability, and health. The University won a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2011, for its research into global food security.
Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, its biggest ever fundraising campaign, will deliver the University’s vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. More news…